Despite the uncertainties the COVID-19 outbreak is bringing to Canada's economy, the commercial real estate sector is positioned to weather the effects of the pandemic, according to a market expert.

Mark Paterson, vice president at Marcus & Millichap, said that activity in the commercial real estate sector is slated to grow despite the volatile times.

"We're still doing trades. People are buying and selling. Everything is worth less today. But it's more about fear and caution than reality. There are still buyers out there, and there's opportunity," he told Bisnow.

A market study by Marcus & Millichap said commercial real estate offers buyers stability despite the uncertainties. It said that while the COVID-19 outbreak is expected to moderate the economy, some fundamentals remain strong.

"While the coronavirus will weigh on the Canadian economy through the second quarter, a recession is not imminent. Expectations of weaker exports, reduced tourism and supply chain-related shortfalls will moderate the pace of economic growth, but low unemployment and comparatively strong consumption levels should offset the headwinds," the study said.

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